We have been working with various school districts in Ohio since 2017. Learn more about these projects and our collaborator’s experiences!
First Ring Student Leadership Institute (FRSLI) - End of the year presentations 2025
Project HighKEY - End of the year presentations at John Marshall 2025
SchYPAR Collaborations
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YPAR implemented as a required capstone course for all ninth grade students at the new Campus International High School, an International Baccalaureate school in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
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The ESC of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland State start a student leadership initiative that includes teams of students from the First Ring districts around Cleveland and meets monthly using YPAR as the core of the program.
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The ESC of Central Ohio, Cleveland State, and Ohio State replicate the FRSLI in the Columbus area. The program expands to include opportunities for students to present their work at larger professional research conferences.
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With support from a $1.4M research grant from the U.S. Department of Education Institute for Education Sciences, YPAR is implemented in core content area classes in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
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Funded by a U.S. Department of Education Research Grant, SchYPAR aims to support the implementation of YPAR in schools while creating a national online resource. The aim is to improve student engagement and make schools more equitable and supportive of student's voices and experiences.
HighKEY YPAR Teachers and Research Partners
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Karmel Abutaleb
Karmel Abutaleb is an esteemed educator specializing in Secondary/College Math & Computer Science at Facing History New Tech High School. With two years of experience teaching YPAR in her math classes, Karmel stands out as a driving force behind student empowerment and positive change within the school community. As a passionate and caring teacher, Karmel believes in the transformative power of YPAR as a means for students to take ownership of their learning journey and tackle pressing issues that directly impact their school experience and academic performance.
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Sarah Schwab
Sarah Schwab is a Spanish teacher at Campus International High School for the last 6 years. She has 22 years of teaching experience. At Campus International High School, Sarah has taken the lead in developing and teaching an independent course plan for Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). Her innovative approach to YPAR not only empowers her students to explore important social issues but also nurtures their voices and creativity in addressing these challenges.
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Taylor Zepp
Taylor Zepp is an exceptional ELA teacher at Lincoln-West School of Science and Health. Her passion lies in teaching YPAR, and she extends this teaching approach to extracurricular clubs and cross-curricular government classes. For the 2023-2024 school year, she aims to implement YPAR in a senior capstone course, empowering her students to find their voices through this innovative method. Taylor's dedication to her students and belief in the power of YPAR as a tool for their self-expression truly sets her apart as an inspiring educator.
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Maggie Rahill
Maggie Rahill is an ELA teacher at John Marshall School of Engineering. Maggie implemented YPAR in her classroom with 9th-grade students. She focused on autobiographical research methods and engaged students in reflecting on their experiences. The initial reading phase encouraged deep reflection among the students, allowing them to connect to their own life experiences without needing to finalize their narrative topics. The goal was to explore, understand, and practice creative writing, all while developing a sense of connection to their chosen topics. The culminating assignment for this session was a personal narrative and a poster presentation.
SchYPAR Teachers and Research Partners